Search results for "Synapse"

Modeling of neuron-astrocyte interaction : application to signal and image processing

2022

The introduction of the tripartite synapse and the discovery of calcium wave propagation motivated our research to explore the potential of astrocytes as active components in brain circuits. For decades, astrocytes have been considered passive cells whose primary function is metabolic and structural support to neurons; however, recent physiological measurements suggest that astrocytes modulate neural communication, strengthen synaptic efficacy, enhance synchronization, and promote homeostasis. Inspired by these biological functions, this research aimed to implement astrocytes in artificial spiking networks for deep learning applications. First, we modeled the biological interaction between …

BDNF-induced nitric oxide signals in cultured rat hippocampal neurons: time course, mechanism of generation, and effect on neurotrophin secretion

2014

BDNF and nitric oxide signaling both contribute to plasticity at glutamatergic synapses. However, the role of combined signaling of both pathways at the same synapse is largely unknown. Using NO imaging with diaminofluoresceine in cultured hippocampal neurons we analyzed the time course of neurotrophin-induced NO signals. Application of exogenous BDNF, NT-4, and NT-3 (but not NGF) induced NO signals in the soma and in proximal dendrites of hippocampal neurons that were sensitive to NO synthase activity, TrkB signaling, and intracellular calcium elevation. The effect of NO signaling on neurotrophin secretion was analyzed in BDNF-GFP, and NT-3-GFP transfected hippocampal neurons. Exogenous ap…

Co-activation of VEGF and NMDA receptors promotes synaptic targeting of AMPA receptors

2016

A critical role for VEGF and VEGFR2 in NMDA receptor synaptic function and fear-related behavior

2016

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to be required for the action of antidepressant therapies but its impact on brain synaptic function is poorly characterized. Using a combination of electrophysiological, single-molecule imaging and conditional transgenic approaches, we identified the molecular basis of the VEGF effect on synaptic transmission and plasticity. VEGF increases the postsynaptic responses mediated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate type of glutamate receptors (GluNRs) in hippocampal neurons. This is concurrent with the formation of new synapses and with the synaptic recruitment of GluNR expressing the GluN2B subunit (GluNR-2B). VEGF induces a rapid redistribution of Glu…

Hsp60 Protects against Amyloid β Oligomer Synaptic Toxicity via Modification of Toxic Oligomer Conformation

2019

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. While the etiology of AD remains uncertain, neurotoxic effects of amyloid beta oligomers (Aβo) on synaptic function, a well-established early event in AD, is an attractive area for the development of novel strategies to modify or cease the disease's progression. In this work, we tested the protective action of the mitochondrial chaperone Hsp60 against Aβo neurotoxicity, by determining the direct effect of Hsp60 in changing Aβo toxic conformations and thus reducing their dysfunctional synaptic binding and consequent suppression of long-term potentiation. Our data suggest that Hsp60 has a direct impact on Aβo, resulting in a…

Chapter 17: The cholinesterases: a discussion of some unanswered questions

1993

Publisher Summary During the past three decades, a vast body of specificity and kinetic data relating to the cholinesterases has accumulated, which must now be explained by the extremely interesting new sequence and X-ray crystallographic results presented by MassouliC et al. As this chapter shows, the cholinesterases are remarkable among enzymes in having a broad specificity embracing both charged and uncharged substrates but with a clearly expressed preference, at any rate in the aliphatic series, for the acylcholine configuration: a classical example of the principle of complementariness between substrate and active site as the basis for enzyme action. It is well known that AChE exists i…

Downregulation of the Astroglial Connexin Expression and Neurodegeneration after Pilocarpine-Induced Status Epilepticus

2022

Astrocytic networks and gap junctional communication mediated by connexins (Cxs) have been repeatedly implicated in seizures, epileptogenesis, and epilepsy. However, the effect of seizures on Cx expression is controversial. The present study focused on the response of Cxs to status epilepticus (SE), which is in turn an epileptogenic insult. The expression of neuronal Cx36 and astrocytic Cx30 and Cx43 mRNAs was investigated in the brain of rats in the first day after pilocarpine-induced SE. In situ hybridization revealed a progressive decrease in Cx43 and Cx30 mRNA levels, significantly marked 24 h after SE onset in neocortical areas and the hippocampus, and in most thalamic domains, whereas…

GLP-2 receptor expression in excitatory and inhibitory enteric neurons and its role in mouse duodenum contractility

2011

Background  Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2), a nutrient-responsive hormone, exerts various actions in the gastrointestinal tract that are mediated by a G-protein coupled receptor called GLP-2R. A little information is available on GLP-2R expression in enteric neurons and nothing on the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Methods  We investigated presence and distribution of the GLP-2R in the mouse duodenum by immunohistochemistry and the potential motor effects of GLP-2 on the spontaneous and neurally evoked mechanical activity. Key Results  The GLP-2R was expressed by the myenteric and submucosal neurons. Labelling was also present in nerve varicosities within the circular muscular layer an…

'TRPing' synaptic ribbon function in the rat pineal gland: neuroendocrine regulation involves the capsaicin receptor TRPV1.

2009

Synaptic ribbons (SRs) are presynaptic structures thought to regulate and facilitate multivesicular release. In the pineal gland, they display a circadian rhythm with higher levels at night paralleling melatonin synthesis. To gain more insight into the processes involved and the possible functions of these structures, a series of experiments were conducted in rodents. We studied the regional distribution of a molecular marker of pineal SRs, the kinesin motor KIF3A in the gland. Respective immunoreactivity was abundant in central regions of the gland where sympathetic fibers were less dense, and vice versa, revealing that intercellular communication between adjacent pinealocytes is enhanced …

Depressive effect of LHRH on the numbers of "synaptic" ribbons and spherules in the pineal gland of diestrous rats.

1983

Previous studies have shown that LHRH or LHRH-like substances are present in the pineal gland. In order to investigate whether exogenous LHRH may affect the pineal gland, in the present study the effects of a single dose of LHRH (1 microgram, i.p.) on pineal "synaptic" ribbons and spherules as well as serum melatonin levels were examined in diestrous Wistar rats. One hour after the injection both ribbons and spherules exhibited a statistically significant decrease in number. Serum melatonin levels were not affected. It is concluded that humoral feedback mechanisms may exist between the hypothalamus and the pineal gland.